The fall in community numbers is reflected in the statistics quoted in The Ripon Club 120th Annual Report: eight new members enrolled, 10 members resigned and 15 members expired.
The management of the club however is optimistic about the future of the institution. "With more younger members joining the club today, the Managing Committee feels that our club will maintain a steady growth and hopes that our members will patronize the club and use its facilities to the maximum,” states the report.
The total membership figure stands at 606 of which 59 are life members, and 71 are women, states club secretary Rumi Tatary. The club is located in the Fountain area, the heart of South Bombay’s commercial and judicial institutions.
Despite the numbers being significantly less than other cosmopolitan clubs in Bombay, the Ripon Club made a surplus of Rs 75,152 in the financial year 2005-2006. The total investments of the Club are over 46 lakh rupees, with the interest income being Rs 3,68,873. Subscription brought in over 10 lakh rupees.
The annual general meeting of the club to be held on January 12, 2006 should see noted lawyer Rusi N. Sethna reelected president and Sir Dinshaw M. Petit elected as vice president.
The present managing committee of nine persons are Sorab D. Davar (chairman), Mehernoz C. Dangore (honorary secretary), Phiroze E. Lashkari (honorary treasurer), Reyaz R. Mama, Jamshed B. Lentin, Rohinton B. Dhalla, Rohinton K. Dhunjibhoy, Soli D. Adrrianwalla and Adil H. Screwvalla. The club’s caterer is Ratan E. Elavia. Two members, Davar and Dangore, are expected to stand for reelection.